What is hierarchical trust?

Answer 1

Hierarchical trust refers to a system of trust where individuals or entities rely on a structured chain of authority or relationships, typically based on roles, positions, or levels within an organization or society. This form of trust is often seen in organizations where higher-level authorities are trusted to make decisions that impact lower levels. It can facilitate efficient decision-making and communication, but may also lead to blind faith in authority figures without critical scrutiny. In essence, it relies on the premise that those at the top are competent and act in the best interest of those below.